Our dreams are rising and our hearts are singing! Aikatsu Dreams is about to begin!

---

Emi

"KAZUNA KAZUNA KAZUNA!" I yelled as I rushed over to her in the cafeteria. It was finally Lunch, and while I went to put my empty food tray away, I saw a poster on the notice board. It was about a contest Epiphany was hosting. Epiphany would choose three names from a hat, and then, those three would compete to earn some points, AND Epiphany themselves would give them a surprise! I desperately wanted to be chosen for this contest.

"What's wrong Emi?" Kazuna asked as she put her tray down on a table and took a seat. I sat down next to her and whipped out my Aikatsu Mobile. I went to the 'Stardust Academy News' app, and showed her the details.

"We HAVE to enter!" I said enthusiastically.

"I like the sound of that!" Kazuna replied, her eyes dazzling. Her smile slowly faded away. "But...this contest..." Kazuna mumbled.

"I'm super hyped!" I said happily, my face glowing. "Okay then! I'm gonna fly to my dreams!" I said as I stood up, my eyes sparkling.

"I'm going outside to train! See you later Kazuna!" I stated before running off.

"Wait a sec!" Kazuna said. I turned back.

"Yeah?"

"Never mind..." she replied.

"Are you okay Kazuna?" I asked worriedly. She nodded happily.

"Once I finish Lunch, I'll come join you!" Kazuna replied.

"...Okay..." I said. I felt like something was wrong, but I didn't know what to do.

***

"Aikatsu! Aikatsu! Aikatsu!" Kazuna and I chanted as we ran down the track. Kazuna seemed to be distracted.

"Hey, you okay Kazuna?" I asked.

"Huh? Yeah, I'm fine! Just thinking!" she told me.

"Well...okay then. But if something's bothering you, you know that you can always tell me! Anyways, I'm going to get our drink bottles. Be right back!" I said.

A few minutes later, as I was searching for our drink bottles, Kaito had gone on the track and caught up with Kazuna.

"Hey Kazuna! How are you?" Kaito asked.

"I'm great!" Kazuna responded.

"You sure? You seem a little down" Kaito said.l

"And how would you know that?" Kazuna asked.

"I can tell" Kaito replied simply.

"Honestly, it's nothing really. I'm just thinking about Epiphany's upcoming contest."

"Speaking of Epiphany, I heard that an interview featuring them is about to air" Kaito said. "Anyways, I gotta go find Ryuu. I need to make sure that he's not doing something stupid again. Bye!" Kaito said, running off.

***

"I'm so excited! Learning about Epiphany makes me want to work even harder at my Aikatsu!" I exclaimed. Kazuna agreed.

We sat down on the sofa in our dorm, and started to watch the program.

"Welcome back everyone, to Shining Idols! I'm your host, Gorou Okamura! Joining us today is the unit we all love, Epiphany!" he announced.

The camera zoomed out to reveal Epiphany all smiling and waving at the audience. I was starting to get hyped up. They all looked stunning in the Stardust Academy Top Idol uniform, and you could even sense their idol auras.

(A/N: Yes, the dress is the S4 uniform. I just adore this uniform too much. And also I wasn't able to change the colours. So let's pretend that this uniform is for Stardust Academy xP)

"Welcome back ladies! Firstly, it's your last year at Stardust Academy, before you enter the high school right? How do you feel about that?" Mr. Okamura said.

"I'm really going to miss Stardust Middle School. I'm going to miss the cafeteria a lot!" Kaguya said, her eyes watering. Akane sighed at Kaguya's childish response.

"We're all going to miss all the special memories we've had" Asami said, looking down with a sad smile.

"That's right. Every memory made us grow a little more. I'm also going to miss all the adorable underclassmen. I'm hoping that I'll get a chance to know the first years before I leave! They put on splendid performances!" Megumi commented, smiling.

"I heard about that! Let's hope that four of them can shine just a brightly as you all do! Now, speaking of first years, how did your journeys begin?" Mr Okamura questioned.

"I'd be happy to tell you, Mr Okamura" Akane declared. "Firstly, I'll explain how Kaguya and I met."

"We're childhood friends!" Kaguya exclaimed.

"Yep! Firstly, I met Kaguya. The end" Akane said, putting on a straight face.

Epiphany and the host looked at her. Kaguya had fallen backwards out of her cushion armchair.

"I'm just messing with you all! Here's the rest of the story. When I was little, I had stage fright. One day, I was chosen to sing a Christmas carol at my school. I was so nervous about it, but then, I met Kaguya, who decided to sing with me on stage. Kaguya and I put on our very first performance together, and from that day forth, with Kaguya by my side, I became confident in my skills, and I know that I can do anything!" Akane said, smiling determinedly, with a twinkle in her eye. Kaguya looked like she was about to cry tears of joy.

"Your encounter was so sweet! Now, it's Megumi and my turn!" Asami said, smiling gently.

"When I was little, I had always dreamed of being a top idol at Stardust. But back then, I wasn't good at singing or dancing. When the school talent show was on, I decided to give it a go. However, I messed up a lot. The next day I was teased and mocked. But someone stood up for me. That someone was Megumi. She supported me, and convinced me to go to the entrance exam for Stardust Academy. With Megumi at my side, I worked hard, and we both passed. I'm so happy that everyone has helped me grow! The events I experienced weren't always pleasant, but my friends here, and everyone else, kept on encouraging me to do my best! Everyone, I'm truly thankful!" Asami said, her gentle smile touching everyone's heartstrings. The members of Epiphany hugged her, but it was clear that Megumi hugged her most.

Kazuna and I watched the rest of the show intently. Our jaws dropped when we heard that Asami was the niece of the Headmaster and Headmistress. When the show was over, Kazuna sprang into action. "Come on Emi! Let's go jogging!" she said. I looked at her, but then my face melted into a smile.

"Yeah!"

***

"Alright, it's finally time to chose the contestants!" Kaguya said, doing a fist pump.

Megumi reached over and picked out a name.

"Hiyu Yazeyo! Luki Kuruzora! And..." Megumi said, leaving everyone in suspense.

"Kazuna Hitori!" she announced after a short pause.

"Congrats Kazuna! You're so lucky! You get to meet Epiphany! Good luck! And remember to do your best! Oh, can you also ask Epiphany what their favourite type of cookies are?" I asked, as I gave Kazuna a quick hug and wished her luck.

She blinked, but responded with yes.

"Yay!" I exclaimed, cheering.

I was upset that I wasn't chosen, but I'm happy that Kazuna will have this chance!

***

Kazuna took a deep breath, and entered the room.

"Hello there! Since Hiyu and Luki have already finished, you must be Kazuna!" Asami said, smiling.

"I am" Kazuna replied.

"Take a seat" Megumi said gently.

"Anyways, what's your name?" Kaguya asked cheerfully.

"We already established that she's Kazuna!" Akane said, sending a cold stare in Kaguya's direction.

"Oh. We have?" Kaguya asked. Akane sighed, and ignored this statement.

"The question for today's interview is, what problems and challenges are you facing?" Akane asked.

Kazuna shut her eyes, then when she opened them she answered right away.

"Well, to be honest, I was thinking of not entering this contest" Kazuna said, looking down at her feet.

"Why is that?" Megumi said patiently.

"I'm...not confident in my skills. I didn't want to perform alone on the stage. I'm afraid of what might happen when I stand alone. I don't show it, but the worries and nightmares are still there" Kazuna told Epiphany, lowering her head slightly.

"What about now?" Asami asked gently.

Kazuna smiled softly, then looked up, her eyes gleaming.

"After hearing your stories, I gained more courage. It's okay to be afraid, but what's important is what you do to overcome that fear! And, even if you feel that you're alone, there's always people there to support you! People are like different music notes. Everyone is different, but when we support each other and come together, we form a beautiful melody! I know that during my time as an idol, I'll still come across challenges that will weigh me down. But I know that Emi, my family, Kaito, and the other special people in my life will help me overcome those obstacles, and one day, I'll rise to the top with Emi!" Kazuna said, with passionate and dazzling eyes.

The members of Epiphany smiled at one another.

"Thank you for sharing your heartwarming tale with us!" Asami said, beaming.

"She's right! And Kazuna, use those feelings and put on a spectacular performance for us all!" Akane announced, standing.

"I like the sound of that!" Kazuna said as she stood up, and ran to the fitting room, her head held high. Before she left the room, she turned back.

"Just wondering, but what are your favourite types of cookies?"

Epiphany smiled at each other, then all answered, "Chocolate chip cookies!"

***

Before Kazuna entered the fitting room, she admired her cards. At Stardust, you're allowed to create your very first rare coord. Afterwards, you use an existing brand's coords.

"I've overcome one of my fears. Now I'll sing my song on a stage of my own!" Kazuna said, as she placed her cards down in the slots.

"Kazuna Hitori, ready to shine like a star!"

(Title: Friends Are Our Wonderland)

(Music: Miracle Force Magic (short version))

(The following song is an off-vocal version of Miracle Force Magic by AIKATSU☆STARS. The song does not belong to me)

https://youtu.be/vc05t217_FU

Kazuna's Coord: Snowflake Enchantment Coord

I watched as Kazuna appeared on stage. I was so excited now!

"You can do it Kazuna! I believe in you!" I cheered.

She turned her head in my direction, and looked surprised for a moment, but then her face broke away into a grin.

---

Our Lyrics:

---

Kazuna: The hope in me is helping me to achieve this dream

But can I reach it on my own?

The magic light guides the way

The darkness is gone

With the help of our friends

Everything will be alright

It's my time to shine under the spotlight!

The journey has started

And we won't see an end soon

Let my melody show you 

The way to create unforgettable memories!

Friends are those who will help us!

And show us a wonderland!

This symphony will be endless

With every helping hand!

Music with friends is our wonderland!

Our hearts let us sing together

Sing together forever and ever

Friends are our wonderland!

---

Special Appeal: Dream Cool Charm (basically the Star Cool Charm)

---

The auditorium was filled with cheers and applause. "I think we have our winner!" Akane said, walking onto the stage. She raised Kazuna's arm in the air as everyone cheered. I stood there, mesmerised. Kazuna's aura seemed to have grown already. Her performance was splendid.

"You could say that Epiphany is kinder than the school, so you and your partner get 200 points, and you've earned yourself a trophy!" Akane said, giving Kazuna a shiny trophy.

"Congrats" Akane whispered to Kazuna, winking. Kazuna's face lit up.

"Thank you!" Kazuna replied, beaming.

I finally snapped out of my trance and jumped for joy. Usually, the best solo performances get 100-150 points. Kazuna had gotten beyond that! The only time where the numbers can be off the charts, is at the Top Idol Selection.

After Kazuna was chosen, I was a little bummed that I couldn't meet Epiphany, though I was happy for Kazuna all the same. However, my happiness was replaced by a worrying thought. Even if I did get chosen, I wouldn't have managed to win, or pull off a performance as great as Kazuna's. What would happen when I had my own solo? 

And...was I holding Kazuna back?

"And now everyone, Epiphany has a surprise for you!" Akane said, making me snap back to reality.

***

"Ready girls?" Asami asked, looking at Epiphany. They nodded.

"We are four glimmering stars in the night sky" Akane said.

"We are four rays of sunshine lighting up journeys" Megumi said.

"We are four sparks of hope bringing joy to the world" Kaguya said.

"The light of Epiphany, forever shining!" Asami concluded.

The four of them placed their cards in the slot, and together, created another miracle.

Coord: Wondrous Epiphany Coord

Epiphany's Logo (I forgot to add Midnight Explosion's logo. I'll post it the next time they perform xD):

(Title: This Never-Ending Melody)

(Music: Hirari/Hitori/Kirari (short version))

(The following song is an off-vocal version of Hirari/Hitori/Kirari by STAR☆ANIS. The song does not belong to me)

https://youtu.be/2Ca5M2fo-9o

Our Lyrics:

-

Together: We're following a dream that's pointing north

And beyond lies countless stars

Head off to the next dream!

Asami & Megumi: We all started our journeys with the same wish

Akane & Kaguya: We all shone our brightest and tried our hardest

Asami & Megumi: But the light wasn't always shining and we fell into the darkness

Akane & Kaguya: Though we got back up again and ran to the goal!

Together: Let out your frustrations

And join us as we seek the meaning behind our encounters

And our dreams!

Together: We're like beautiful birds soaring in the sky

Who aren't letting the chains of failure hold them back

Let's fly to an uncharted future!

And reach out for the sky above!

This is our beautiful melody!

Asami's Idol Aura: Consists of light teal stars, emerald green gemstones, a variety of delicate flowers, and soaring birds.

Megumi's Idol Aura: Consists of music notes, clouds of colour, a few circles of beads, love hearts, and around her feet is a circle of beads.

Akane's Idol Aura: Consists of gold stars, red and blue music notes, orange and blue different shaped triangles, and around her feet are music notes.

Kaguya's Idol Aura: Consists of bubbles, paper cranes, party streamers, and a variety of different-coloured splotches of paint.

Special Appeal: Shining Four Appeal (In AiStars, this appeal can only be performed by the S4 members. Here, it'll be able to be performed by a group of four. But Epiphany will have a unique appeal coming soon! xD)

-

Epiphany's wonderful performance had concluded, and people we're clearing out.

"Epiphany was stunning, as usual!" a girl said.

"Obviously! They're amazing! Apparently, they said that they barely practised. But they were able to pull it off magnificently! They are just TOO amazing!" another girl said.

"And that Kazuna Hitori is amazing too! I'm her fan!" one of the girls said.

"So am I! Who's her partner?" 

"Emi Miharu, but, now that I think about it, even though their duet performance was good, Kazuna seems to be on a higher level than Emi" one of the girls said.

"Do you think Emi forced Kazuna to be her partner?" one asked.

"I have no idea. Maybe Kazuna formed a group with Emi because Emi had no one to go to."

I listened to them, feeling miserable. The girls had no idea that I was standing a few meters from them. Perhaps they were right. I knew for a fact that Kazuna was on a higher level than I was.

"Excuse me, but can you three stop talking?" Kazuna said to the girls, appearing next to me.

"For your information, I asked Emi to form a unit with me, and it's not because she had no one to go with. I wanted to go with her. Everyone is good at different things, and everyone has their own dreams and talents. You can't mock someone just because they're not good at something! And Emi has amazing skills. She's the reason why I'm holding this trophy! Emi will put on an amazing solo performance, just you watch!" Kazuna stated, fuming at the girls.

Two of the girls backed away. One of them held her ground.

"I'm not your fan anymore!" she said, before all three of them ran away.

"I'm sorry Kazuna. Because of me, you've lost some fans" I said, apologising as I looked at the floor.

"Don't be sorry! You would've done the same for me, because you're a kind and considerate friend who thinks about others. And I wouldn't want those girls as my fans. In the future, we'll have millions of fans, so losing a few who are completely horrible is fine with me" Kazuna said grinning.

I hugged Kazuna, who hugged me back.

"Let's go plan for our next live!" Kazuna stated, cheering.

"Okay!" I replied.

"And by the way, Epiphany loves chocolate chip cookies" Kazuna said.

"Alright then, time to make some chocolate chip cookies!" I said. Kazuna and I started laughing as we headed to our dorm, completely unaware that two people were watching this whole event unfold.

"I can tell that they'll achieve their dreams one day, as long as they push each other to keep moving forward, and if they work hard, which I'm sure they'll do!" Asami said, smiling gently.

"I think so too. That little quarrel they had with those girls actually reminded me a bit of when you were in Emi's position" Akane said.

"I was scared about putting on a performance, but everyone encouraged me to do my best!" Asami remarked.

"And that's exactly what Epiphany does! We strive to become the best versions of ourselves, and we never give up!" Akane stated. Asami smiled, then spoke once more.

"I wonder, where will Emi and Kazuna's dreams take them too? This is only the beginning of their Aikatsu, and they're already proving to be perfect teammates, and the best of friends. I'm excited to see what will happen next. I simply can't wait!"

---

And that's a wrap for today! I hope you enjoyed today's chapter! In case you were wondering, Epiphany will all have their own individual introductions, and you'll be able to learn more about the Headmaster and Headmistress soon! Also, Emi will be having her solo debut soon, so look out for that! xD

Once again, any suggestions or advice is helpful, and a vote and comment is greatly appreciated!

And for the next chapter, we'll be introducing a new character ;)

Stay tuned for more!